07/09/2026
REVIEW OF GAMES PLAYED ON THE 5th SEPTEMBER 2026
Richmondshire moved to within touching distance of their ninth NYSD Premier Division championship as they overpowered already relegated Marske by nine wickets.
Needing 25 points to secure the title the Dalesmen went for the more straightforward but less rewarding option of inserting their opponents when winning the toss and although this limited them to a reduced return from their victory they will now travel to Bishop Auckland next Saturday needing just five more points to wrap up the title.
The Seasiders found themselves in trouble from the off, slumping to 36-5 in the face of an opening assault from Josh Dowson (3-31) and Max Percival (2-10), and although they staged a recovery of sorts they were eventually bowled out for just 96 as Joe White (3-3) hastened their decline.
Despite the loss of an early wicket in their reply Richmond warmed to their task as Gary Pratt (58no from 55 balls) and Dan Hodgson (36no) eased their team to an emphatic win with an unbroken stand of 93 runs. There was then a wait of an hour or so to hear about Barnard Castle’s result, however their four-wicket victory at Hartlepool ensured the race for the top honour would once again extend into the final day of the season.
Even more intriguing is the battle to avoid the dreaded drop alongside Marske where close neighbours Saltburn face an anxious last day as, despite their victory at Darlington RA, they remain 17 points from safety.
Many teams have struggled at Brinkburn Road this season, but not Saltburn as Ben Ainsley’s 71 and Joe Emerson’s run-a-ball half century formed the backbone of the Seagull’s 173, a total that proved 69 too many for RA as Liam Crooks (7-47) ripped through the home batters to keep the Premier flame alight.
Darlington and Bishop Auckland will spend a nervous wait following their defeats, the Quakers going down by six wickets at the hands of Stockton and Bishops losing by seven wickets at Acklam Park.
Four wickets for Jimmy Ward, and three for Adam Hickey, left Darlington with just 137 to defend, something they were unable to do as Hickey crashed an unbeaten 50 from 46 balls. Meanwhile Fez Hussain’s six wickets for Boro ensured Bishop Auckland could only muster 149 runs, a target that was overtaken inside 30 overs as James Lowe continued his rich vein of recent form with another 79 runs.
The day’s final game produced 523 runs as Stokesley took a wicket with the final ball of the match to claim a 79-run victory over visitors Marton. The Weighell siblings provided the impetus towards a home total of 301-6, Jonny contributing 63, Andrew an unbeaten 87, and James a blistering 67. Lee Hodgson responded with 72 for the visitors, but with a steady drip of wickets at the other end Marton fell for 222 with the wickets shared by five bowlers.
The situation in Division One could not be any closer with three teams going into what should prove a dramatic final day all with a chance of promotion. The big game at Billingham saw Sedgefield emerge triumphant as the Synners went down by 121 runs on home soil, the heroes for the victors being Matthew Lamb (121no) and David Budd and Grant Sowerby who shared eight wickets.
Victory took Sedgefield 13 points clear of Billingham who themselves are now only three points ahead of Thornaby after the Teessiders powered to a 175-run win over Norton, victory being a great all round team effort as runs and wickets were shared around.
